You’re probably drinking coffee right now as you read this article. Coffee drinking is such a prevalent part of our daily routine. In 2019, Starbucks made 26.51 billion US dollars in revenue. Coffee has undoubtedly outgrown its perception as a part of breakfast to become our near-constant companion these days. This state of affairs remains the case despite COVID killing opportunities for coffee and a chat. Of course, getting takeout is still an option and one that many of us avail of daily.
For some of us, the pandemic has also brought about a resurgence in DIY culture. You see so many people making banana bread, creating arts and crafts, and experimenting with coffee. So why not get on board and invest in your very own coffee maker?
Well, that is what we are here to discuss today. And luckily for those of you who are usually on a time crunch, we will be discussing specifically automatic coffee makers here.
1. De’Longhi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso & Coffee Machine
Now chances are if you’ve been researching getting an automated coffee machine of your own or if anyone in your circle fancies themselves a barista, this name has inevitably come up. With such a heavy focus on Espresso brewing, it is unsurprising to see the Italians get it just right with this class of high-end coffee machines. This wonder of stainless steel has everything you need to customize your coffee-making experience to completion.
Features
Now, with all the love we’ve given this coffee machine, you can expect some excellent features. First and foremost, it contains the De’Longhi trademark cappuccino system frother. It also comes with an incredibly easy-to-use control panel. This panel has entirely programmable menu settings (available in rotary and push-button forms). In a similar vein, it also has an adjustable valve for all-size containers.
The pre-brewing system, also called “Direct-to-Brew,” is a particular highlight to make those flavors shine. Furthermore, the design is super compact and easy to clean with an easily removable integrated coffee grounds container. De’Longhi also doesn’t just take care of your post-coffee needs – it also includes a charcoal filter. This filter makes sure the machine is taking in only the cleanest of water.
Essentially, with the Magnifica Super-Automatic, De’Longhi has combined everyday ease of use with the variety, smoothness, and boldness of the professionals in a spectacle of engineering.
For a detailed review of the De’Longhi ESAM3300, head over to this review.
Pros
- Completely customizable
- Choice of beans or pre-ground coffee
- Easy to use
- Very compact footprint
Cons
- If you use a particularly oily variety of coffee beans, it will clog up the grinder
- It needs to be cleaned frequently – after every ten coffees
2. Jura S8 Automatic Coffee Machine
For a long time now, JURA has been the industry leader of Automatic Coffee Machines. And the S8 is the perfect lesson in why. With this marvel of machinery, the company takes our goal of coffee shop beverages at home and makes it a reality. JURA accounts for efficiency and convenience in this system. Moreover, it has a wide variety of available coffees. Undoubtedly, the Jura S8 Automatic Coffee Machine is an unbeatable package.
Features
The essential characteristic of this JURA product is efficiency, and all its features support this. For instance, coffee preparation only takes a single touch of a button. Similarly, the coffee machine has a fast and precise conical AromaG3 burr grinder for optimum fineness.
However, this focus on efficiency does not sacrifice quality with fifteen whole barista-quality specialties, including espressos, cappuccinos, latte macchiato, and more. Additionally, like all the best machines, it has an integrated milk frother and can personalize brewing strengths & volumes. And last but not least, it also has a coffee spout with adjustable height. All of these features work together seamlessly to provide you with coffee to thrill a connoisseur.
Pros
- Barista quality drinks consistently
- Extensive range of coffee
- Self-cleaning components
- The machine tells you everything to do
Cons
- Overall cleaning of the machine can be a little complex
- The milk is often lukewarm after frothing
3. DeLonghi Eletta Cappuccino
The Italian small appliance manufacturer rises to the occasion again with a latte crema system that creates perfectly layered espresso beverages, with dense, rich, long-lasting foam in every cup from start to finish.
Features
So what makes this coffee machine unbeatable? Well, for one, it comes with programmable coffee preferences focusing on temperature, strength, and milk-to-espresso ratio. However, other coffee machines have this capability, but the S8 is unique since it can remember these specifications.
Not to mention the brew unit is compact, extractable, and self-adjustable. Additionally, like the Magnifica Super-Automatic, it has an integrated burr grinder and a separate chamber for pre-ground coffee.
The S8 also has two separate heating compartments for milk and coffee to prevent quick cooling. Furthermore, all this is available to users via a one-touch intuitive display. The Eletta takes what is good about previous DeLonghi products and improves with better UI design and new frothing technology.
Pros
- Fresh espresso for every cup
- Every cup is separately customizable
- Consistent experience every time
- The machine is easy to clean and handle
- Reduced noise pollution
- Coffee Specialist Support
Cons
- It takes slightly too long to make
- It does not operate well with dark-roasted, oily beans
4. Gaggia 1003380 Accademia Espresso
The Gaggia Accademia is one of two high-end automatic espresso and coffee machines on the market equipped with a carafe and a commercial-style steam wand. Additionally, it is one of two Italian brands on our list today. This accomplishment, once again, is hardly surprising considering the origins of the espresso and its position in European coffee culture.
Gaggia, however, has much humbler origins than De’Longhi. It began with cafe owner Achille Gaggia’s ingenuity and passion for coffee inspiring him to invent a new way to brew espresso. This passion for the drink still comes through in the organization’s products today. Furthermore, it has also led to the machines’ sustained popularity in home-brewing (home-brewing coffee, obviously) circles. A feat that is undoubtedly due to its excellent flavor and wide range of features.
Features
As previously mentioned, the coffee machine’s success is a product of its features. Among these features is an adjustable telescopic coffee dispenser for every type of cup you could have in your kitchen. The machine, much like the other marvels on our list, allows you to program particular preferences such as quantity. In addition to that, it has a unique pre-brewing system (to give you a real punch of flavor) and a carafe. A carafe (for those that don’t know) is the coffee pot included in coffee makers. This carafe comes with a commercial-style steam wand for all your designing needs.
Moreover, it has a much-hyped ceramic burr grinder with an integrated bean hopper and double lid aroma saver. The aroma saver is a particular delight to those of us that thrive on that freshly ground coffee scent.
Though the positives of freshly ground coffee come with the negatives, namely the resulting coffee grounds. To address this issue, the Gaggia 1003380 Accademia has an integrated and removable coffee grounds container. Nevertheless, if you don’t want to bother with grinding, the machine has a bypass dozer to cater to you. In addition, it allows you to use pre-ground coffee for extra coffee options.
Head over to this article for a more in-depth review of the Gaggia Accademia coffee machine.
Pros
- The auto-cleaning carafe makes making milk-based drinks a breeze
- You can experiment with the texture of the milk
- Easy cleaning and maintenance
- Adjustable in all three espresso levels
- Large water capacity
- Adjustable levels of extraction
Cons
- The machine goes through quite a bit of water cleaning itself
- The drip trays need to be regularly changed
5. JURA 15068 IMPRESSA C65 Automatic Coffee Machine
Finally, we end with perhaps the most consistent brand featured on our list today and another well-loved JURA product – this time, the IMPRESSA C65 Automatic Coffee Machine. The IMPRESSA has had its praises sung by almost everyone who takes their coffee seriously and with good reason. Having seen the quality on display in this list, this is high praise indeed. So why don’t we get into what makes the IMPRESSA so impressive?
Features
First, it has a simple rotary-based operation. This type of operation allows for an easy learning curve, and it is perfect for those that don’t have the time to figure out the various quirks of such a machine. This comes mainly from most people’s familiarity with rotary systems. So, if you are looking for an automatic coffee machine for your parents, this is the one you want.
The IMPRESSA, like the other machines on our list, has the essential height-adjustable coffee spout perfect for disposable cups, mugs, and flasks. However, and arguably, more importantly, it employs JURA’s state-of-the-art fine foam technology in its frothier. Clearly, the company has gone out of its way to wow you with this one.
Pros
- A great modern design
- Acceptable counter footprint
- The thermoblock heating system keeps the temperature consistent
- Quick maintenance and cleaning
Cons
- A limited selection of pre-programmed beverages
- It is always preferred to use Jura cleaning products for Jura products
Buyers’ Guide — Things to Consider When Choosing a Fully Automatic Coffee Machine
Now that you’ve been made aware of so many different specifications and brands in regards to automatic coffee machines, you might be feeling just a little overwhelmed. So, for those struggling a little to process all the provided information, here’s what you need to consider.
Firstly, you need to figure out what your coffee preferences are. This decision helps you determine the coffee range your machine should have and what type of coffee it makes best. It also helps to keep in mind how much you are willing to experiment in this case.
Secondly, you need to establish the amount of coffee you consume. This quantity helps pick a machine that will prevent you from taking too long and washing up too often. Speaking of cleaning, it is essential to consider the need for any special cleaning products or procedures.
How much you entertain is also a consideration in this scenario, along with temperature control (no one wants to serve lukewarm coffee).
It also helps to keep in mind what the machine allows you to control and whether its features are innovative or otherwise.
Space restrictions are another fundamental factor in determining the automatic coffee machine. Since if your coffee machine is too big for your kitchen, chances are you aren’t going to use it much.
And lastly and most importantly, how much are you willing to spend? Are there any add-ons you can leave out (for example, a grinder)? Are there any additional costs? There is no need to get a massive, complicated machine when you only need basic functionalities.
It seems like a lot, but these are fairly simple questions, and product information related to them is readily available once you look into it.
Conclusion
So, if you are an absolute coffee hound like most of us, take the leap. These days, a fully automated coffee machine is more than a sound investment for you. Moreover, it is also a great small way to save for the future. All it takes is a little research, a clear idea of your requirements, and one solid payment to free you from your near-constant trips to Starbucks. It also has the added advantage of impressing your friends and family with your inner barista. Hopefully, you found our breakdown informative, and with all that in mind, you can find the ideal coffee machine for you and your family. So shop wisely, and may your next cup of homemade java be just what you’re looking for!